Lawrence Anthony, South African legend, author, conservationist and rehabilitator of elephants died in March of this year. He was known as the Elephant Whisperer. Something unusual happened on the night of his death. Twenty elephants showed up at his home where he lived on a private game preserve. Somehow those creatures sensed the death of Anthony who had given them special care and a safe haven. Voluntarily and intuitively this strange procession came together and traveled for more than twelve hours. Led by two matriarchs, they surrounded his home and stayed for two days and nights as if to pay their respects and then left to return to the wild confines of the reserve.

Isn’t it peculiar that the animal world seems to be better at gratitude and thankfulness than we are. Have you ever eavesdropped on the birds when a new day is dawning and yawning? It’s like they have this need to express praise and gratitude to their Creator. Remember the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers (Luke 17:12-19)? They all left excited and happy with their instant healing, but only one returned to express gratitude. Jesus asked the lone thanker, “Where are the other nine?” May we learn to be more like our creature teachers. Let us ask God to help us learn to be more attuned to the moments in which we ought to be grateful and proactive in expressing our thanks.

Why not pause a few moments today to thank God and others for the ways your life has been blessed and helped by their care, investments, and sacrifices.